Overview

My Kindergarten and First grade students LOVE The Black Snowman and often ask to hear it again. They voted it their favorite book of the year in 2005. I use this book as a read-aloud for many different purposes like learning about yourself, learning about your family and history, art concepts, feelings, and more. My students love the story, the illustrations, the open ending, and the "hero."

Objective

Students read a wide range of print and non-print texts to build an understanding of texts, of themselves, and of the cultures of the United States and the world; to acquire new information; to respond to the needs and demands of society and the workplace; and for personal fulfillment.

Materials

The Black Snowman by Phil Mendez

Set Up and Prepare
Discuss how students can learn about themselves. Talk to family members who are your ancestors or forefathers. Learn about your culture. Ask other students to describe you.

Directions

Discuss any words or ideas that may be difficult for your students to comprehend. Ask the children to predict what will happen next.

Have the students write about what would happen at the fireman's house when his daughter uses the magic kente cloth for her doll. How will it help someone? What will happen at the end of your story? What will happen to the kente cloth next?

Supporting All Learners

This lesson is geared toward students who need to learn about being proud of themselves and their heritage.

Lesson Extensions

Read Anansi the Spider.

Create a list of presents you can give which don't cost money.

Write about courage.

Play and read an interactive story in which the students read and follow directions online to build a snowman: Ten Little Snowmen.